Three new dates for the first ever UK arena tour of Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Jesus Christ Superstar have been added today due to overwhelming demand. These new dates are: Friday 5 October at Birmingham NIA, Sunday 7 October at Manchester Arena and Saturday 20 October at Nottingham Capital FM Arena.

Ben Forster will play the leading role of ‘Jesus’, opposite Tim Minchin as ‘Judas Iscariot’, Melanie C as ‘Mary Magdalene’ and Chris Moyles as ‘King Herod’. The tour will visit arenas in 11 cities around the UK and Ireland, starting at London’s O2 Arena on 21 September and ending at Sheffield’s Motorpoint on 21 October.

Ben, who came first in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s television casting show ‘Superstar’ said on winning last night, “This is a dream come true. I’m a massive fan of Andrew’s work. To have the chance to perform in front of hundreds of thousands of people in an arena with such an amazing cast is a real honour. Rehearsals start in two weeks and I just can’t wait to get stuck in to the role.”

Jesus Christ Superstar has broken global musical theatre records with over 60,000 people already booked to see the show in its opening week. The arena tour has sold in excess of 100,000 tickets and generated advance box office sales of over £5 million. Jesus Christ Superstar will give arena audiences the opportunity to witness a full production of the musical including a full staging and live band. Fans from Cardiff to Newcastle to Glasgow will be able to experience this legendary rock classic on an arena stage for the very first time.

Commenting on last night’s Superstar on ITV Andrew Lloyd Webber commented: “Once again, the British public have got it right. Ben is a true rock star and he just oozes arenability. The UK has a lot to look forward to when he takes on this iconic role.”

Melanie C added: “My leading man has been found! It’s been great to watch Ben get to the final, he’s worked so hard and has consistently got it right. I’m really looking forward to working with him on the tour.”

The spectacular production will come alive with a set and lighting design by Mark Fisher and Patrick Woodroffe, who have previously created designs for the likes of the Rolling Stones, Pink Floyd and U2. Theshow will be directed by Laurence Connor, the acclaimed director best known for the 25th Anniversary performance of The Phantom of the Opera at the Royal Albert Hall, the 25th Anniversary Concert of Les Misérables at London’s O2 arena, and the new UK tour of The Phantom of the Opera.